Texas Caretaker Requirements
Everything an agency needs to hire compliant caretakers in Texas — and everything an individual needs to know before starting work.
Training
28h
Min Age
18
Pay
$13–21
TB Test
Yes
CPR
Varies
Verify Eligibility
Not required by most states for non-medical home care, but preferred by many agencies
Complete Background Checks & Screening
The hiring agency initiates and pays for these checks. All must clear before the caretaker has any client contact.
DPS criminal history check + FBI fingerprint check + Employee Misconduct Registry
Not required by the state, but many agencies require a pre-employment drug test
Must be completed within 12 months of hire. Some agencies require annual rescreening.
Not required by the state, but many agencies require it and it strengthens your application
Complete Required Training
Agencies are responsible for providing or arranging this training. It must be completed before the caretaker works independently with clients.
Personal Care Attendant (PCA)
Non-medical aide providing personal care under HCSSA supervision.
28
Hours
Orientation and ANE training
8 hoursAbuse, neglect, exploitation recognition and reporting; agency policies
Pre-service skills training
8 hoursPersonal care techniques, infection control, safety, emergency procedures
Annual in-service
12 hoursContinuing education on relevant topics
Scope of Practice — What This Role Covers
Meet Additional State Requirements
Maintain Ongoing Compliance
Agencies must track these deadlines and ensure all staff remain compliant. Lapsed credentials can result in fines and loss of licensure.
Renewal & Continuing Education
Annual 12 hours of continuing education; EMR check annually
Annually or per agency policy
Regulatory Body
Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC)
Employment type: W-2 Employee (standard)
Visit official websiteAverage Hourly Pay
$13 – $21
per hour for non-medical care
Higher rates for weekends, overnights, and specialized care (dementia, hospice support). Urban areas typically pay 15–25% more than rural.
Demand Outlook
Very strong — second-largest state with massive senior population
Home care is one of the fastest-growing employment sectors in the U.S. Demand is driven by the aging population and preference for aging in place.
Texas-Specific Notes
- 1Texas licenses HCSSA (Home and Community Support Services Agencies)
- 2Employee Misconduct Registry check is unique and mandatory
- 3Houston, DFW, San Antonio, and Austin are the four major markets
- 4Star+PLUS Medicaid managed care program funds extensive home care
- 5Texas does not require state-level caregiver certification but has specific training mandates
Frequently Asked Questions
How many training hours are required for caretakers in Texas?
Texas requires 28 hours of pre-service training for Personal Care Attendants. This typically covers orientation and ane training, pre-service skills training, annual in-service. The hiring agency is responsible for providing or verifying this training.
What background checks are required for home care caretakers in Texas?
Texas requires: DPS criminal history check + FBI fingerprint check + Employee Misconduct Registry. The hiring agency must complete all screening before the caretaker has any client contact. Drug testing policy: agency discretion.
How much do home care caretakers earn in Texas?
Non-medical home care caretakers in Texas earn $13–$21 per hour on average. Pay varies by region, experience, care complexity, and whether the shift is weekday vs weekend/overnight.
What is the minimum age to work as a caretaker in Texas?
You must be at least 18 years old to work as a non-medical home care caretaker in Texas. Most agencies also require a valid ID and legal work authorization.
What ongoing requirements do caretakers have in Texas?
Annual 12 hours of continuing education; EMR check annually Agencies are responsible for tracking compliance and ensuring all staff maintain current credentials.
Managing caretaker compliance across your team?
HomeCareAtlas automatically tracks certifications, training deadlines, background check expirations, and renewal dates for every caretaker on your roster.
See how it worksThis guide is for informational purposes only. Requirements change — always verify with Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) before starting training or employment. HomeCareAtlas is not a certifying body and does not guarantee the accuracy of this information.